The diverse city of Malaga is an underrated destination situated along the coast of Spain. While most people flock to Barcelona, Seville, and Cordoba, Malaga offers a ton to do with beautiful beaches, historical alleyways, flavorful restaurants, and breathtaking castles to add to your itinerary.
Most people can easily spend a whole week here driving along the coast, climbing the castles, and soaking in the historical downtown area.
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But here is an itinerary to help you get the most out of your 3 day trip to Malaga!
Table of Contents
Experiencing Malaga for the First Time
malaga spain from gibralfaro castle
After a long roadtrip from Barcelona, I was ready to check into our apartment and take a nap. However, I decided to push through and explore a bit of the city. The first challenge was finding a place to park as there is very limited parking along the streets like other Spain cities.
The next challenge we faced was finding our accommodation as we spoke limited Spanish. But once we figured out everything, we walked around the area of the apartment and walked to the beach.
At first, I wasn’t a huge fan as the coastline reminded me of California, and I felt like I wasn’t getting the feeling that I was in Spain.
Once we explored the downtown area and climbed the Castillo de Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba, I was better able to appreciate and see Malaga as a gem that I wouldn’t mind going back to.
Tips: A car is needed to get around as there is no metro system and bring Google translate as many locals don’t speak good English.
Malaga Itinerary – Day 1
Soak in Famous Art at the Picasso Museum
On your first full day of exploring Malaga, take time to admire one of the most iconic artists that has shaped the art world, Pablo Picasso. This museum is located inside a 16th century palace and features more than 200 works to show the different phases of Picasso’s life. Enjoy the art more in depth with a free audio tour.
Since this museum is in the historic centre of Malaga, you can easily hit this museum on your way to Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre. If you’re taking the bus, the bus stops to take are the Paseo del Parque-Ayuntamiento or the Plaza de la Merced.
Cost of mobile ticket for museum through official site: $12.62
Explore the Beautiful Fortress
Alcazaba is one of those sights that you can’t pass up when visiting Malaga. This breathtaking fortress is one of the best preserved alcazabas in Spain and is worth visiting during the day and night. Similar to the Alhambra in Granada, this fortress has Muslim architecture influences as it was built around the period of Muslim-ruled Al-Andalus.
If you want to visit on your own and take your time admiring the beauty of this magnificent building, you can buy tickets online or at the ticket machines before the entrance of the Alcazaba.
You can also purchase joint tickets for the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro. Take private or guided tours for more in-depth information.
Cost of general entrance ticket: $3.71
Cost of combined ticket: $5.83
Grab Lunch in the Historical City Centre
There are a number of restaurants to try in Malaga for a sneak peek into the vibrant flavors of Spain and the nearby country, Morocco. One of the cheaper options is Andino Gastrobar – Centro, which serves Latin American food and cocktails.
A great place to try tapas is Restaurante Vino Mio with the added bonus of live music and art exhibitions. Do keep in mind that this restaurant and many others may have special opening times and hours may differ due to national holidays.
Go Shopping in Malaga
The shopping areas in Malaga are diverse with famous shops on historic streets or in department stores. The most famous shopping street with the best designer brands with a good mixture of cafes and restaurants is Calle Larios. The street offers the historic charm of downtown Malaga but with modern clothing stores and cosmetics.
If stores like Zara and H&M appeal to you more, consider visiting the Centro Commercial Larios Centro. This 2-level mall is a shopping haven as well as a good place to dine with fast food and markets.
The Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a shopping place more for the locals but if you want to pretend that you’re living in Malaga, visit this thriving indoor market with beautiful stained glass and a range of product options like meat and vegetables.
Malaga Itinerary – Day 2
Climb up to the Castillo de Gibralfaro
I don’t know about you, but I tend to do the more strenuous activities early in the morning. Before the sun’s rays hit their peak, consider starting your day climbing up the steep hill to the Castillo de Gibralfaro. I do recommend wearing tennis shoes as it is quite steep and is scary walking down if you are wearing sandals or flip flops.
If you bought the combined ticket with the Alcazaba, you do not have to buy another ticket. However, you do have limited time to do the fortress and the castle if you buy the combined ticket.
This gorgeous castle is part of the ruins of the Moorish castle in the 1300s and is located on top of Mount Gibralfaro. You won’t be disappointed by the panoramic views of the city. Even though there isn’t a lot to see, the views make the trek worth it. If you are unable to climb, you can always look into taking a bus or taxi through the other entrance.
Official Cost of Ticket: $3.68
Relax at La Malagueta Beach
You can’t go to the coast of Spain and not spend a few hours lounging in the sun. If you want to beat the crowds, consider visiting the each in the morning as peak hours are around noon. You can also find decent seafood shacks on the beach if you’re craving a meal.
Just like many other European beaches, you will need to pay for an umbrella and lounge chair if you want something other than a towel to lay on. The calm waters make this paradise accessible to children and people with disabilities.
View the Sunset at the Best Place in Malaga
To end your second day in Malaga, take the sunset tour that allows you to soak in the most beautiful sunsets at the best viewpoint with a sprinkle of history mixed in. This tour will grant you access to even more history by wandering the streets of Old Town with a beer or wine of your choice. You can book this tour through Viator!
Malaga Itinerary – Day 3
Take a Stroll Through Malaga Park
Wake up early and walk into a calm oasis in the city known as the Malaga Park. This beautiful park is filled with sculptures and tropical flowers and palm trees. This 33-acre space also has botanical gardens with a public restroom and a playground for kids. If you pay close attention, you may spot wildlife like green parrots.
Cost of entrance: Free
Visit the Centre Pompidou Malaga
You not only immerse yourself in Spanish culture, but you have the opportunity to explore a little bit of Paris through the contemporary art museum known as Centre Pompidou. The exterior of the museum is one of the most eye-catching and iconic buildings in Malaga with its colorful glass squares in the shape of a cube.
*You may have to put your belongings in a locker while exploring the museum.
Cost of Entrance on Official Site: $4.23
See Flamenco Show Alegria
Finish your Malaga trip off with a Flamenco show that will heavily connect you with the culture of Spain. It is a must as the Flamenco started in Andalusia and is comprised of dance, song, and music. You can also enjoy a dinner before the show begins with time slots and dining areas, including the terrace or in the restaurant.
Cost per Ticket: around $26
Location: Calle Velez Malaga, 6 29016, Malaga Spain
Check out more places to eat in Malaga, ranging from Moroccan to Spanish cuisine to enhance your Malaga itinerary!
Malaga surprised me in a good way with the beautiful historic alleyways of the downtown centre and the castle and fortress on the hill. If I ever do go back to this city, I will definitely try more restaurants and explore even more castles!
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